Loretta May Richtsmeier

   Loretta May Richtsmeier, 77, of Newton, died Friday, February 21, 2025, at Newton Healthcare.  No services are scheduled at this time.

   Loretta, the daughter of Alex and Viola (Lemons) Rasmussen, was born April 19, 1947, in Quasqueton, Iowa.  She was united in marriage with Richard "Dick" Richtsmeier on December 20, 1963, in Quasqueton.  The couple lived in Oelwein and Waterloo before moving to Newton in 1977 to be closer to family. Once in Newton, Loretta began working in housekeeping and laundry at the Jasper County Care Facility, where she worked until its closure in 1998.  She loved the residents she met at the care facility, so much so that she followed many of them to USA Healthcare, where she worked until she retired in 2005.  Loretta enjoyed baking, doing puzzles, watching Westerns--especially Gunsmoke, and being a caregiver to her family and showering them with love. Just last week, Dick and Loretta were voted Valentine's Day King and Queen at Newton Healthcare and were treated to a special evening.

  Those left to honor Loretta's memory include her beloved husband of 61 years, Dick Richtsmeier of Newton; 2 sons, Rich (Julie) Richtsmeier of Newton and Tim (Angie) Richtsmeier of Ankeny; 8 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; 1 great-great-granddaughter; a great-great-grandson on the way; and many nieces and nephews.  She was preceded in death by her parents; son, Bill Richtsmeier; a granddaughter, Danielle Richtsmeier; and her siblings, James Lemons and Dianne Corson.

  The family wishes to extend a special thank you to Anna and Lora from Wesley Life Hospice and to all the staff at Newton Healthcare for all their care and for making the last 3 months as great as possible.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Loretta May Richtsmeier, please visit our floral store.